A Letter From Rev. Bruce Davidson

Dear Assemblyman Green,

For a long time I have been planning to retire at age 62. I celebrated that birthday this past March, and so earlier this Fall, I submitted a letter to our church's governing authorities asking for retirement "status" (yes, my church body considers retirement a "status"). In November my retirement request was officially approved, and, as I had asked, it is effective December 31, 2010.

I have served as a Pastor in the Lutheran Church for almost 37 years, with congregations in Wildwood, Teaneck and Summit, New Jersey. For the last 11 years, as Director of the Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry in New Jersey, I have appreciated the chance to work with you around a variety of issues. You have been a wonderful champion of issues that have improved life for people in need across the state. It is hard for me to identify anyone else in State Government that I respect and admire more than you. You spoke so eloquently and directly about justice when issues of civil unions and marriage equality came up. You have never wavered in your commitment to work for fair housing practices for low income people. I have appreciated your hard work in fashioning the best possible piece of legislation that moves toward housing reform. Thank you for including me in this important work. Your record of achievement is truly admirable! I am deeply grateful for the outstanding leadership and commitment you have given in making New Jersey better and more just for everyone.

Although I will leave my position as Director of the Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry at the end of the year, I will continue to serve with De Miller and Marlene Lao Collins as one of the co-convenors of the Anti-Poverty Network of New Jersey. I have also been invited to serve on a few volunteer Boards, although I am trying to keep that to a minimum.

A search process is currently underway for a person who will become the new Director for the Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry. We hope that individual will begin early in March. In the meantime, we have arranged for very part-time coverage of the office by Ms.Cathy Malmstrom, a skilled advocate and member of our church's justice ministries. She can be reached at logm@njsynod.org

In case you want to be in touch after December 31, please contact me at my new e-mail: brucehdavidson@yahoo.com.

I am grateful for many things, including having the chance to retire and rest. Mostly though my gratitude is for the good people I have come to know over the past decade. Whenever I have a chance to speak to a group, I always mention that elected officials in New Jersey are people of integrity and good will, working hard to do what is right. You are one of the people whose public service I have come to appreciate very much. In my various new "volunteer" roles, I expect that I will still have many chances to work with you. I know we share many commitments to the people in society who struggle for just treatment and a decent life.

Sincerely,
Bruce The Rev. Bruce H. Davidson, DirectorLutheran Office of Governmental Ministry in New JerseyNew Jersey Synod - ELCA
1930 State Highway 33
Trenton, NJ 08690
609-937-9845
bdavidson@njsynod.org

Courier News Editorial 12/23/10

Taylor Reinstated in Plainfield, But Mayor Still a Big Concern

Don't be too hard on Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs wanting to fire City Administrator Bibi Taylor on Christmas Day, nine days before Taylor had been due with her third child.

After all, the mayor loves children. She said so. "I actually gave Mrs. Taylor a baby shower last month."

Small comfort for Taylor, who gave birth on Wednesday and would have been shown the door if the City Council hadn't stepped in late Monday night to reinstate her to her post after word of the firing last week triggered a firestorm of outrage from residents and officials.

This is the just the latest in a troubling and sometimes baffling series of missteps by Robinson-Briggs that are accelerating concerns about her competence to run the city.

Even Assemblyman Jerry Green, her mentor and presumed puppetmaster earlier in her mayoral reign, publicly called her out, imploring Robinson-Briggs to withdraw the termination.
Robinson-Briggs, in her usual fashion, has said little about Taylor's firing and has ducked many phone calls seeking further comment. The mayor has only suggested vaguely the presence of "internal issues" regarding Taylor of which the city is unaware.

It is difficult to imagine what Taylor could have possibly done to warrant this kind of heartless treatment after a tenure in city management that has been widely praised. Taylor was appointed the city's director of administration and finance in July 2009 and was promoted to city administrator in February for a term running through 2013. Taylor, in fact, is the employee on whom Robinson-Briggs relied heavily — too heavily — for financial administrative duties for many months while the mayor failed to move on filling a pair of vacant top finance posts.

The outpouring of support for Taylor, and the council's quick action to preserve her job, suggests that whatever "internal issues" may have justified the mayor's actions seem only to be known to Robinson-Briggs. And that quite rightly breeds plenty of skepticism. Anything egregious enough to warrant a firing in this fashion would certainly require more explanation to the public, even understanding legal restrictions on personnel comments.

"We'll do what we can to make things work," Robinson-Briggs said after the reinstatement, and any long-term effects from this debacle on working relationships within City Hall won't be immediately apparent while Taylor remains on maternity leave. But this story is far from over. For Plainfield's sake, we recommend Robinson-Briggs put aside her substantial ego and indeed make an honest attempt to "make things work." That's the least she can do at this point.

A Letter From The Plainfield Historic Preservation Commission

NJ Senate Unanimously Supports A-444

I was very pleased with the Senate’s voting session yesterday pertaining to my bill, A-444. In short, this bill will require school board members, and those running for this elected position, to be subject to a criminal background check.

This bill evens the playing field within the education system. It extends the standards of accountability that teachers and administrators who work in schools are held to. Of the 36 Senators present for a vote, my bill received UNANIMOUS support from every Senator present.

I was very pleased to see the amendments added to my bill by Senator Diane Allen, who, along with Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono, are the prime sponsors. A brief summary of the amendments read as follows:

These floor amendments would require a member of a charter school board of trustees to undergo a criminal history background check and would disqualify that individual for the same offenses that would disqualify a member of a board of education under the provisions of the bill. These floor amendments would also permit a board of education or a charter school to reimburse a school board member or a member of the board of trustees, as appropriate, for the costs of the criminal history record check.

Committee Meeting Postponement

Good afternoon all.

Earlier today I received legal counsel regarding the Plainfield Democratic City Committee meeting planned for this evening. Unfortunately, tonight’s meeting must be postponed until further notice.

The counsel I was given alerted me to the fact that since Councilwoman Carter has not stepped down from the Council yet, we are unable to convene as a committee to select a replacement, even though Councilwoman Carter will be elevated to the Freeholder Board.

Upon Councilwoman Carter’s seat being officially vacated, the committee will then be allotted a certain amount of time to convene and select a replacement.

I will be sure to keep every committee member up to date regarding our next meeting date.

Again, I apologize for the inconvenience.

A Letter from AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkenach

Apology NOT Accepted: DeCroce's Unemployment Comments Shows He's Clueless

This spring, Alex DeCroce, Assembly minority leader, received his payback for being a Gov. Chris Christie loyalist and Republican water carrier:

His wife, Betty Lou, the municipal clerk in Roxbury, was handed a job as a deputy commissioner for the Department of Community Affairs. She received a raise from $90,806 to $130,168 with the new position in Trenton.

That’s a politically connected 43 percent raise on an already hefty public paycheck, not to mention a booster rocket to her pension during an economic downturn and government downsizing.

Why is that important now?

Because that salary and pension, like the paychecks the DeCroces have been cashing for decades, will be funded by New Jerseyans, many of whom are out of work and struggling to pay their bills, with the state’s unemployment rate at 9.2 percent.

Amazingly, Alex DeCroce believes some of the people helping to pay his and his wife’s mortgage are lazy, shiftless couch potatoes who should have their unemployment checks cut off if they haven’t been able to find a job.

"I'm one of the few people here ... who feel that benefits are too good for these people," DeCroce said Tuesday. "Why go to work? If you can go for 26 weeks, collecting $550 a week, and you get an extension for another 26, that's close to $27,000 a year or $30,000 a year, and a lot of people figure, 'Why go to work?'"

“These people” can’t find jobs because there aren’t any to be found. And most don’t have the connections to land a state job, available only to insiders, like Betty Lou DeCroce did.
Alex DeCroce backpedaled yesterday with a limp apology, saying his comments were made to “a gathering of business leaders” (in other words, he didn’t want regular folk to hear them). What he meant was there are people “gaming the system.”

Oh, really? How many? Based on what information? If it's happening and DeCroce has proof, he should release that data.

By the way, most of the state’s unemployed workers are receiving less than $550 a week. That’s near the top of the benefit scale. And in New Jersey, that doesn’t go very far. The top weekly benefit is $600. The average this year is $393.Oh, and over 52 weeks, that $550 benefit amounts to $28,600 — much less than his wife’s raise.

The jobless would rather work, because they know the longer you’re unemployed, the harder it is to find any job. There is no future in handouts, but right now they desperately need one.

Because they’re not Betty Lou DeCroce.

Courtesy of NJ.com / Editorials 12/16/10

Mission Accomplished: Will GOP Legislators Rebuke Christie and DeCroce?Governor’s Deceptive Remarks on Jobs Follow DeCroce’s Outrageous Comments About the Unemployed

(Trenton) - Governor Christie yesterday took ownership of the New Jersey economy and declared mission accomplished on job creation. Ironically, a former Reagan Administration official dismissed Christie’s overzealous remarks, where he took credit for a slight reduction in unemployment as statistically insignificant in the same Wall Street Journal article. Christie’s comments followed those of Assembly Republican Leader DeCroce that unemployment benefits were “too good” and “those people” would work harder to find a job if they received less benefits.

Today, New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Wisniewski challenged every Republican Legislator to answer two questions:

• Do they agree with the Governor’s deceptive remarks about New Jersey’s “rosey” economic picture?


• Do they agree with the callous remarks made by the leader of the Assembly Republicans about the unemployed in New Jersey, many of whom are trying to get back on their feet to find a job?
  

“We have unemployment over 9.2% and economic experts say that NJ has yet to achieve any traction that would show an expansion of jobs. And yet, this Governor has the nerve to stand up and declare Mission Accomplished,” said Wisniewski. “Chris Christie wants to have his cake and to eat it too, while Alex DeCroce just wants to let them eat cake. They can’t have it both ways. They need to make clear whether they stand with those who aspire to get back on the job and those who are woefully under-employed, or whether they stand with the state’s 16,000 multimillionaires who have benefited from their special tax schemes.”

A Star Ledger Editorial today questioned DeCroce’s non-apology saying it was not accepted and that his unemployment comments show he's clueless. Here’s more from the Editorial:

• His wife, Betty Lou, the municipal clerk in Roxbury, was handed a job as a deputy commissioner for the Department of Community Affairs. She received a raise from $90,806 to $130,168 with the new position in Trenton. That’s a politically connected 43 percent raise on an already hefty public paycheck, not to mention a booster rocket to her pension during an economic downturn and government downsizing.
  


• Why is that important now? Because that salary and pension, like the paychecks the DeCroces have been cashing for decades, will be funded by New Jerseyans, many of whom are out of work and struggling to pay their bills, with the state’s unemployment rate at 9.2 percent.
  


• Amazingly, Alex DeCroce believes some of the people helping to pay his and his wife’s mortgage are lazy, shiftless couch potatoes who should have their unemployment checks cut off if they haven’t been able to find a job.
  


• Alex DeCroce backpedaled yesterday with a limp apology, saying his comments were made to “a gathering of business leaders” (in other words, he didn’t want regular folk to hear them).
  


• By the way, most of the state’s unemployed workers are receiving less than $550 a week. That’s near the top of the benefit scale. And in New Jersey, that doesn’t go very far. The top weekly benefit is $600. The average this year is $393.
  


• Oh, and over 52 weeks, that $550 benefit amounts to $28,600 — much less than his wife’s raise.
  


• The jobless would rather work; because they know the longer you’re unemployed, the harder it is to find any job. There is no future in handouts, but right now they desperately need one.
  

The Home News Tribune called out DeCroce’s comments in their Editorial as well:

• It's a stunningly arrogant view that reveals a complete misunderstanding of the ravages of the lousy economy that our expert lawmakers have helped create. Does DeCroce believe all the state and the nation need is a little more personal ambition to solve the unemployment problem? And that he's sharp enough and bold enough to help instill that ambition?

• DeCroce says the benefits reduction is an option to help replenish the state's depleted unemployment fund — technically true, but an absurd notion nonetheless. The state is supposed to destroy the effectiveness of a program for the purposes of providing money for that program?
  

• So all DeCroce's plan will do is punish those in genuine need trying the best they can to find a new job. That is bad policy, and shouldn't be given even a moment's consideration in the Statehouse.
  

Statistics show that workers are struggling under Chris Christie and unemployment benefits are far from what DeCroce would claim:

• Unemployment is at 9.2% in New Jersey.


• There are over 412,000 people in New Jersey looking for work.


• Nearly 1 in 11 New Jersey residents have no job at all.
  Despite what DeCroce would have you believe, the average collection for unemployment is only $393.
  

Democrats Adopt Reforms For Tax Relief Test will be if “Christie Agenda” Really Works and Whether He is Ready to Take Responsibility

(Trenton) – Following passage of civil service and arbitration reform in the Legislature, New Jersey State Democratic Committee Chairman John Wisniewski offered the following comments:

“Civil service and arbitration reform were adopted as part of a historic compromise in which Democrats supported initiatives that the Governor argued would lower property taxes, which are too high in New Jersey,” said Wisniewski. “While the measures adopted will work in concert with the recently enacted property tax cap to help address high property taxes, they will not solve the problem by themselves.”

Published reports said that even with the reforms Christie demanded, a statewide review of new tax rates showed the average property tax hike in New Jersey will be 3.3 percent this year and will hit 23.5 percent after the loss of the homestead rebate is factored in.

"The question is, will the Governor continue to blame others for property taxes going up, or will he recognize that his cutting of homestead rebates, cutting of school aid and cutting of municipal aid has done more to raise property taxes than the measure passed by the Legislature will do to lower them. It’s time for the Governor to take responsibility for the consequences of his policies and decisions.”

Bullying and Cyber Bullying

Recently the Legislature of the State of NJ voted to pass the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights. Our State has been very aggressive in tackling the issue of bullying and cyber bullying. As a youngster school bullying is something that we all witnessed or experienced at one point, however the bullying antics experienced today by elementary, middle and high school students are nothing like those falling under "sticks and stones may break my bones...." Today bullying is far more severe and impacting largely due to young people having access to social networks via the internet and communicating via text amongst one another. Today bullying takes a psychological toll on many of our youth between the ages of 10-19 years of age. Frankly bullying of any type is an aggressive act, one that tends to aggravate instability and hopelessness in the minds of adolescents already struggling with stressful life circumstances. It is critical that we support our young people by implementing measures to insure their safety. I received the following from the Clark Public School district and I am sharing the steps that Clark is taking to address this issue with hopes that other school districts will follow Clark’s lead by implementing ways to communicate the severity of this issue to parents and to let the children know that they are not alone.

LANDMARK GREEN, JASEY & COUTINHO BILL TO ABOLISH COAH & REVAMP NEW JERSEY HOUSING LAW APPROVED BY ASSEMBLY

Sweeping Reform Eliminates Commercial Developer Fee & Provides Major Housing Obligation Breaks to Municipalities Throughout New Jersey

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Jerry Green, Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey and Assemblyman Albert Coutinho sponsored to abolish the state Council on Affordable Housing, eliminate a commercial development fee and streamline New Jersey’s housing laws was approved 43-32 Monday by the Assembly.

The bill (A-3447) would abolish COAH and its bureacracy, eliminate the 2.5 percent fee on commercial development to help pay for affordable housing development and provide major housing obligation reductions for municipalities throughout New Jersey.

“New Jersey will finally have a viable housing plan for its hard-working families that is also good for business and workable for mayors,” said Green (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union). “This bill gives towns relief from COAH’s unreasonable demands, offers businesses a much-needed break and clears the way for housing for lower-income New Jerseyans to finally actually be built in our state. It is a sound and reasonable approach that bodes well for New Jersey’s future.”

“This new alternative takes into account the needs of everyone in this state while also clearing the way for economic growth and development,” said Jasey (D-Essex). “Our hard-working families deserve to know that housing they can afford will be built, our mayors need certainty and the flexibility to control their development and our businesses need relief from the development fee. This bill accomplishes all those goals to everyone’s benefit. It represents a new day in our effort to make New Jersey more affordable.”

“This new approach will bring an end to the constant wasting of taxpayer money on numerous lawsuits and court challenges, saving taxpayer money and allowing us to better focus resources on issues like public safety, health care, education economic growth and job creation,” said Coutinho (D-Essex). “Clearly, we’re all be better off by implementing this clear and intelligible system that actually will encourage both low- and moderate-income housing and economic growth. That’s good news for New Jersey families and businesses.”

The bill formed from input from housing advocates, mayors and businesses would:

· Abolish the state Council on Affordable Housing, or COAH.

· Provide a major decrease in municipal housing obligations compared to the ones required by COAH.

· Exempt 71 municipalities from housing obligations. These municipalities have more than 50 percent of their children participating in free or reduced school lunch programs.

· Require municipalities with 20 to 50 percent of their children on free and reduce lunch to ensure 8 percent of their housing is for low- and moderate-income families.

· Require municipalities with less than 20 percent of their children on free and reduced lunch to ensure 10 percent of their housing is for low- and moderate-income families.

· Eliminate the 2.5 percent fee on commercial development.

· Subject residential development that does not include low- and moderate-income housing to a 1.5 percent development fee.

“This simple system that maximizes the ability of the free market to produce a wide variety and choice of homes will most effectively provide housing for the low- and moderate-income residents of New Jersey,” Green said. “We’re giving municipalities clear and realistic standards and relief to those that already have a healthy housing mix. This is a smarter approach that will mean a better New Jersey for residents and businesses alike.”

December 9, 2010

Bill Creating Specialized Care Facility for Patients With Huntington’s Disease Advances

Measure Would Help Sufferers of Rare Neurological Disorder Receive Necessary Treatments & 24/7 Care

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly members Peter J. Barnes III, Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., Linda Stender, Ruben J. Ramos, Jr., and Jerry Green sponsored to create a specialized care nursing facility for the treatment and care of patients with Huntington’s Disease was released Monday from the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee.

“There is a real need to establish specialized care for Huntington’s patients,” said Barnes (D-Middlesex). “The quality of life of patients and their families should not erode completely, simply because of the disease. To prevent that requires specific supervision and care, 24/7, especially in the late stages of the disease.”

Huntington’s Disease is a hereditary neurological disorder that instigates a programmed degeneration of brain cells in sufferers, causing uncontrolled movements, loss of intellectual faculties and emotional disturbances. It is a familial disease, passed from parents to offspring via genetic mutation. The child of a Huntington’s parent has a fifty percent chance of inheriting the disease gene.

Early symptoms of Huntington’s include: mood swings; depression; irritability; trouble driving; difficulty learning new things; difficulty remembering facts; and increased difficulty in decision making. As the disease progresses, concentrating on intellectual tasks becomes more and more difficult and Huntington’s sufferers have difficulty feeding themselves and swallowing.

“Individuals with degenerative brain disorders require a level of care that few places in the state can provide,” said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “Creating a place where they can receive the specialized care they need is the only humane thing to do for Huntington’s patients and their families.”

The bill (A-387) would require the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to designate JFK Hartwyck Nursing, Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center – also known as Cedar Brook – as a specialized care nursing facility for individuals requiring long-term care for the treatment of Huntington’s Disease.

Cedar Brook is New Jersey’s only Medicaid-approved Special Care Nursing Facility (SCNF) for the treatment of patients with Huntington’s Disease. Under this designation, Cedar Brook receives a $339-per-day Medicaid reimbursement, as opposed to the $193.48-per-day rate for typical long-term patient care. Currently, the facility can care for 24 Huntington’s Disease patients.

“The ramifications of this disease are devastating – in late stages patients must be hand fed meals and require intensive intervention for even the simplest of tasks, like sitting up or going to the bathroom,” said Stender (D-Union). “We have the capability to better serve this segment of our state’s population, so that their last days may be lived with a modicum of comfort and dignity.”

Under the bill, the DHSS would be required to:
- Issue a special care nursing facility license with 30 beds for the current Huntington’s Disease unit at Cedar Brook;
- Continue the existing Medicaid participation agreement for specialized care of Huntington’s patients;
- Authorize Cedar Brook to expand its Huntington’s Disease unit license and Medicaid provider agreement upon demonstration that there is appropriate utilization and future need;
- Adopt admission and discharge criteria for specialized care nursing facilities serving persons with Huntington’s Disease, which will also serve as the prior authorization criteria for Medicaid coverage.

“Given the severity and unique nature of Huntington’s disease it’s imperative that we ensure that patients in New Jersey have access to proper treatment and care,” said Ramos (D-Hudson). “Expanding their capacity so that more families facing this disease can get the help they desperately need is more than just the right thing to do. It’s the compassionate thing to do.”

“The terrible thing about Huntington’s Disease is that patients progressively get worse,” said Green (D-Union). “If it is possible to give patients and their families the option of slowing or combating the ravages of this terrible disease through expanding access to the proper specialized care, we must seize the opportunity to do so.”

The measure now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further review.

A 'Ps' to Yesterday's Courier News Editorial

Courier News Editorial - Plainfield officials have once again made their jobs much more difficult with a foolish decisions.

In other words, normalcy reigns in the Queen City.

Here's just the latest example of a governmental blunder: The City Council has hired an old ally of the late former mayor, Al McWilliams, to conduct an investigation of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs' expenditure of $20,000 on a summer radio appearance by the Rev. Al Sharpton.

That event — a part of the city's anti-gang initiatives — is a legitimate target for investigation, considering the dubious value of Sharpton's show as well as the mayor's failure to gain council approval for the spending. It also reinforces Robinson-Briggs' history of poor fiscal management.

But the choice of Jacqueline Drakeford, McWilliams' former corporation counsel for nearly a decade, virtually guarantees that the probe will be tainted, regardless of the outcome. And that has nothing to do with Drakeford herself, but rather the enduring divisions in the city's Democratic party and its leadership.

McWilliams rose to power as the leader of the so-called "New Democrats," who positioned themselves primarily as an alternative to the old-guard Dems operating under the favored hand of Assemblyman Jerry Green. While some of those battle lines have blurred in recent years, the fractures clearly remain, and Robinson-Briggs, fairly or not, has been characterized as little more than a Green puppet. So we can presume it's no mere coincidence that McWilliams' daughter, Council President Annie McWilliams, was among those supporting the choice of Drakeford.

Residents at last week's council meeting in which the choice of Drakeford was approved complained about the potential conflicts involved, but the council wasn't deterred.

It should have been.

What city officials don't seem to understand here — or are ignoring - is that the perception of conflict is more than enough to warrant a more independent investigator. If the public believes, rightly or wrongly, that a probe may be compromised in some fashion, then it's already effectively tainted, even if the investigation itself is carried out with complete integrity and professionalism.

Any particular expertise Drakeford may bring to the investigation isn't necessary to root out the facts. This isn't a complex issue. Robinson-Briggs has countered that most of the money was reimbursed by an unnamed sponsor. And what seems to trouble council members most of all is whether the proper legal protocal was followed in allowing such an expense of taxpayer money.
What Plainfield needs is someone without any agenda — or just as importantly, perceived agenda — taking a look at this issue. That should have been obvious from the start.

Ps

I am happy to see that the Courier News has finally opened their eyes to the New Democrats and how they operate. If we are going to investigate something, we surely should do so in how the City spent thousands and thousands of dollars to sponsor a train ride to Washington, D.C., where alcohol was flowing freely.

Secondly, we have one vendor that the past administration never paid, and is now considering suing the City. We currently have another vendor who the City hired who donated thousands of dollars to the New Democrats and Cory Storch, and winds up being charged by the State for activities that embarrassed the firm and the City.

We bought thousands and thousands of dollars worth of pipes and to this day, no one can tell the City who ordered the pipes, nor who paid for them. This is why I agree with the Courier News, we need to have an impartial attorney to investigate ALL of these activities. How can you ask an attorney to investigate current expenses when in fact, she served as legal council for the City when the above-mentioned activities transpired?

The City needs to wake up and realize that whether it is over at the BOE or the City’s governing body, the New Democrats have been in control. I want to personally make it very clear that I do not get involved with the day-to-day operation of government, so for the Courier to mention my name in the article, I find it very offensive. I do not tell the Mayor nor Council what to do. Fortunate enough, I am doing my job in Trenton, which I have been elected to do.

I have taken great pride as Chairman of the Plainfield Democratic Party, helping to get our current President elected. This last election, with the support of the City, I was able to get Frank Pallone elected, wherein Pallone amassed nearly 8,000 votes, his opponent got 675. As Chairman of the party, I am to do my best to support the Democratic ticket in its entirety, regardless of any personal problems I may have with members. In the past, I have supported the Mayor, just like any other Democrat I have supported.

So just like I should not be blamed for the actions of the President, Congress, or Freeholder Board, I also should not be blamed for the actions of the Mayor of the City of Plainfield. Over the years, this has been the strategy of the New Democrats, which cannot challenge my record as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, but has tried to tie me into local politics, a place where it seems no one listens to anyone. My position has been to offer help where ever the local body needs. Unfortunately, when elected officials in the City do something wrong, they do not publicly make it clear that I have nothing to do with it.

In the future, I have no problem, just as I am doing today, letting the public know that I have nothing to do with any false accusations voiced against me on the local level.

Arbitration Reform & "Back to Work NJ" Proposals

We are working on a proposal for Arbitration Reform and a new "Back to Work NJ" job and economy agenda. I am taking this opportunity to share both sets of talking points used by Speaker Shelia Oliver during Tuesday's Arbitration Reform Press Conference and today's "Back to Work NJ" Press Conference.

Speaker Sheila Oliver
Arbitration Reform Press Conference
Tuesday, November 23, 2010

What New Jersey taxpayers want and need is reform that controls property taxes but at the same time recognizes the brave men and women who risk their lives daily to protect us…and thus rewards them fairly for their sacrifices.

We’re here today because we have built a strong consensus around a responsible plan that will help taxpayers while protecting the rights of police and firefighters.

Everyone recognizes that arbitration reform is a substantial component in controlling runaway property taxes.

Now it’s time to put partisanship aside and join together in doing what’s best for New Jersey…not what sounds best in a sound bite.

We’ve taken a careful approach to this legislation and I think we have achieved a well-crafted balance that will, at once, control costs…

…while at the same time taking into account that there may be a need to enhance this legislation down the road, should any unforeseen consequences arise from it.

Simply put, the legislation would:

· Impose an average 2 percent cap on base salary increases for all police and firefighter arbitration awards.

· However, this cap would sunset in three years – which is the average length of police and firefighter contracts – in order to allow us to gauge its effectiveness.

· The cap would only affect interest arbitration, not collective bargaining.

· Pay for longevity, length of service and other similar compensation would be required to be included in the 2 percent cap.

· All contracts that expire within this 3-year window would be required to adhere to the cap.

· Municipalities would have the right to ask the state to force arbitration if it believes a union is not negotiating in good faith.

· Unions would also have the right to ask the state to force municipalities back into fact-finding and mediation if they believe the municipality is not negotiating in good faith.

· They legislation would also establish “last offer” as the terminal procedure for resolving contractual impasses between public employers and police and fire departments when it comes to benefits.

· Furthermore, it would change the process for selecting an arbitrator for interest arbitration in order to ensure a more varied and impartial group of arbitrators are making these important decisions.

· Arbitrators would also be required to meet stringent professional responsibility, impartiality and ethics and guidelines.

· Lastly, the process by which judgments are appealed would be changed.
I want to thank Senate President Sweeney for his commitment to ensuring that we get this done right.

I know that we are both committed to continuing to work toward reforming the state’s civil service system and tackling other key issues such as local government consolidation and shared services.

What gets lost in the day-to-day rhetoric is the fact that we have advanced more than 20 property tax reform bills this year, including many in the Governor’s so-called tool kit.

Rest assured, we will continue pushing forward with our reform agenda.

Unfortunately nothing will undo the damage from the Governor’s cuts in state aid to schools and municipalities and the decision to eliminate property tax rebates this year.

Those decisions are driving up property taxes throughout our state, but we are committed to long-term reforms that will especially benefit working class New Jerseyans.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Speaker Sheila Oliver
“Back to Work NJ” Press Conference
Wednesday, November 24, 2010

With all the talk over the last few months focused on property tax reform, it seems to have been forgotten that we are still firmly in the clutches of an economic crisis.

As our unemployment rate hovers above 9 percent, the administration has focused little attention on stimulating the economy and creating jobs.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that all the property tax reforms in the world won’t mean a thing if people cannot afford to keep their home.

With this in mind, I think we can all agree on the importance of creating new jobs, reinvigorating our economy, and putting residents back to work.

In the coming weeks and months, we will turn a keenly focused eye towards a new landmark job creation package designed to stimulate employment and jumpstart economic development throughout our state.

The bills included in this package will be the focus of legislative activity through December and into early January as we complete work on key property tax reform measures.

Known as “Back to Work New Jersey,” this package will help lift our state out of this recession and make it more affordable for working class residents struggling to make ends meet.

For over two months, Senate President Sweeney and I have regularly convened roundtable meetings of business leaders to hear ideas for jumpstarting the state’s economy, improving its business image and creating jobs.

The plan involves putting ideas garnered from that group into action.

These initiatives are a great step toward retooling New Jersey as an economic force primed to lead the pack in the economic recovery.

Our goal is to create jobs for residents, ease outdated burdens on businesses and spark economic growth throughout the state by encouraging investment.

It’s a plan that benefits everyone.

Some of the highlights will include:

· Legislation based on the successful Georgia Works program. This program allows unemployed job seekers who have registered for employment services to receive workplace training from a potential employer for up to 24 hours per week for up to six weeks. Remarkably, in Georgia, more than 11,000 employers have participated and about 63 percent of participants have found jobs.

· Legislation to reform our corporate business tax by modernizing the formula…essentially switching from a three-factor formula to a single sales factor formula, something that has been a priority for our business community.

· Small business tax reform legislation to modernize the small business tax code to provide a meaningful tax break to entrepreneurs.

· Legislation that would expand the state’s Business Relocation and Retention Assistance Grant program to allow more companies to benefit and keep jobs in-state.

· Legislation that would create the New Jersey Closing Fund to stimulate economic activity by encouraging and promoting the retention and expansion of existing business and industry and creating and attracting new business and industry to the state.

Moving forward, we expect numerous other initiatives to be considered as well.

As we turn our attention to the pro-jobs agenda, the business roundtable discussions will continue so that participants can offer more ideas and track the progress of pending measures.

Rest assured, the legislature can walk and chew gum at the same time.

Property tax reform will remain a priority.

But as I said before…the two are intrinsically linked.

Residents cannot even begin to think about purchasing a home without a job.

Worse, countless others are being forced out of their homes because of foreclosures brought on by joblessness.

These are very real situations and I think each and every one of us knows someone seriously affected by this economic crisis.

Stimulating job growth, putting people back to work, giving businesses the tool to grow…all of these things should have been a priority for the past year.

Now it’s time to get back on track…with “Back to Work New Jersey.”

Arbitration and Economic Development

This morning's Star Ledger contained an editorial by Tom Hester praising the compromise arbitration proposal put forward by the Senate President and Speaker yesterday. The Senate President and Speaker are in the process of distributing this article to mayors and trying to get them to call the Governor in support. If you can assist in that effort, it would be greatly appreciated.

It is also worth noting that this proposal was endorsed by the Association of Counties yesterday, as well as by the incoming president of the Conference of Mayors. Mayor Chiarello, who is President of the League of Municipalities, also endorsed the proposal at the press conference yesterday (though the League itself has not yet officially taken a position).

In addition, for two months Sweeney and Oliver have regularly convened roundtable meetings of business leaders to hear ideas for jumpstarting the state’s economy, improving its business image and creating jobs. The plan, being announced today, would involve putting ideas garnered from that group into action.

The plan is being finalized but highlights will include:

· Legislation based on the successful Georgia Works program. The Georgia Works program allows unemployed job seekers who have registered for employment services to receive workplace training from a potential employer for up to 24 hours per week for up to six weeks. In Georgia, more than 11,000 employers have participated and about 63 percent of participants have found jobs.

· Corporate business tax reform legislation (A-1676/S-1646) prime sponsored by Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald (D-Camden) and Sweeney to modernize the formula used to determine the portion of business income subject to tax by the state from a three-factor formula to a single sales factor formula. The change has been a priority for New Jersey businesses.

· Small business tax reform legislation (S-1540/A-3535) sponsored by Senate Majority Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), Greenwald and Assemblyman Peter J. Barnes III (D-Middlesex) to modernize the small business tax code to provide a meaningful tax break to entrepreneurs.

· Legislation (A-3389/S-2370) sponsored by Sen. Fred Madden (D-Gloucester/Camden), Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex) and Oliver that would expand the state’s Business Relocation and Retention Assistance Grant program to allow more companies to benefit and keep jobs in-state.

· Legislation (A-3352/S-1602) sponsored by Coutinho and Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland) that would create the New Jersey Closing Fund to stimulate economic activity by encouraging and promoting the retention and expansion of existing business and industry and creating and attracting new business and industry to the state.


If you have not had an opportunity to read the editorial please click on the link below:



http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2010/11/new_jersey_democrats_offer_com.html

A Letter from the Green Brook Flood Control Commission

GREEN BROOK FLOOD REDUCTION PROJECT STATUS UPDATE

Assembly Bill 444, For The Record

In reading Doc’s blog, I would like to set the record straight. The bill that I am sponsoring, A-444, in the Assembly is also being co-sponsored by 22 other Legislators in the Assembly. This bill disqualifies members of the board of education for conviction of certain crimes and requires members to undergo criminal history background investigation, specifically if they are not able to get their records expunged. Obviously, other Legislators have shown their interest in this bill. In fact, when this bill was voted out of the Assembly, the vote tally was 80-0.

As usual Doc, when I received word that the Council allowed this issue to be discussed at a Council meeting with false information, it showed me that the Council is more adamant about listening to misinformation and lies than they are about running the City. It is obvious that they are not concerned about the public image of this City. We are going into the 12th month of this year and the Council cannot show me anything that they have accomplished, other than feeding into this type of nonsense.

Let me explain this issue so that everyone understands why 80 members of the NJ Assembly have supported this legislation. One, Doc mentioned the individual that he feels is being targeted. Let me be clear, this bill targets a statewide issue, not a Plainfield issue. Also, we are not talking about a juvenile who stole a pack of gum.

In the past, no individual had the ability to work for the BOE with any type of record. What this bill does is give those who have chosen to live a decent life after making a mistake a second chance. If you are eligible to get your record expunged, then you have an opportunity to work in this school system.

So what we are trying to accomplish is giving a person an opportunity to get a second chance. I am trying to give those who deserve a second chance, just that. Unfortunately, Mr. Haqq cannot get his record expunged. The law is very clear, if you cannot get your record expunged, you have done something very serious. No one involved in serious criminal activity should be involved in our school districts. This bill is not targeting one individual, but is giving those who need a second chance, who are able to receive one, just that. Now, if they get their record expunged, they will have that opportunity.

Unfortunately, Mr. Haqq decided early in life to be involved in criminal activities. That was his choice, not mine. If the courts make it clear that he is not qualified to get his record expunged, then why should the people in Plainfield take a chance on being embarrassed because we are doing something the courts would not do; which is clearing his record even though the courts ruled against it.

So Doc, before you jump on a bandwagon, you should get the truth and understanding about this issue, before you make it sound like we are penalizing some young innocent juvenile.

Ps

Last week’s activities proved to me that he has yet to change his ways.

An open letter to the 2010 Republican Candidates for Union Countywide Office

The following letter is being sent to the 2010 Republican Candidates for Union Countywide Office. Ironically the one name missing from those referenced within the letter is that of Cory Storch - a closeted Republican in Democratic sheep's clothing.


Dear 2010 Republican Candidates for Union Countywide Office;

One of Union County's greatest strengths is the incredible diversity we enjoy within our communities. That is why we are writing to express our sincere shock and utter astonishment at your comments after the General Election held on November 2nd of this year.

We are specifically referring to an article printed on November 4, 2010 in The Westfield Leader in which Freeholder Candidate Elyse Medved said, “These people (Democratic voters in urban parts of the County) are getting what they vote for, and it’s a shame because they won’t open their eyes, but we will eventually force them to open their eyes. It’s not over”. Freeholder Candidate Ellen Dickson continued by saying, “Those who are benefiting from the largesse are getting a bigger and bigger percentage, and that percentage is sucking all the rest of us”. Freeholder Candidate Brian Flanagan said, “We’ve tried so many ways...we just keep getting hosed out here in the western end of the county, and it’s got to stop”. Most dismaying were the comments made by Candidate for County Clerk Arthur Zapolski, who referred to the Democratic Party’s success, saying, “You hit them (people in urban areas) with a cattle prod, and they’ll go under; there’s no brain power involved”.

We find that comments such as these linger at the border of racism and are not appropriate viewpoints of candidates for Countywide, or any, elected office. These remarks practice the politics of divisiveness that have no place in society today.

The residents of our urban communities are just as pensive and deliberate in their voting decisions as those in our suburban neighboring communities and to suggest otherwise is both insulting and disrespectful. These calculated choices are exhibited when voters elect individuals fighting for those that best represent their needs. Both at the Congressional and State level Republicans have voted to extend benefits for the wealthiest while cutting programs and services for the vast majority of hard-working residents. House Republicans rejected a measure that would have extended unemployment benefits scheduled to lapse on November 30th, yet they continue to support extending the Bush tax cuts to the wealthiest two percent of Americans. At the state level, the Governor chose to support tax cuts for millionaires, yet submitted a budget that cut vital services to our children and senior citizens. We thank these urban voters who were also joined by thousands of residents throughout the suburban parts of the County and voted based on the real issues. We believe the voters of Union County knew exactly what they were doing on November 2nd. They voted for those that have their priorities in mind . . . the right priorities.

Your condescending statements are simply unacceptable. We collectively urge you to publicly apologize for these disgraceful remarks and to be more considerate and respectful of all voters in the future.

Sincerely,

Affordable Housing / Local Campaigns / 22nd District

I want to bring the blogging community up to date regarding the campaign and the affordable housing issue, and activities within the 22nd District in general. As Chairman of Housing and Local Government, I am confident in working with the Assembly leadership and Senator Lesniak in finally constructing good policy, moving in a better direction in dealing with affordable housing here in the State of New Jersey.

I have already drafted and introduced a bill that moves the State in a new direction in terms of making sure that everyone is treated fair, and giving everyone the fair opportunity to live where they would like within the State.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked with me on this issue. What this legislation does is eliminate COAH, and brings clarity to new policies regarding the future of housing in the State.

This week was my second visit to the School District of Clark Township. I must say that Linda Stender and I were very pleased with the reception we received, and the fact that the elected officials made it very clear that they were very satisfied with the way we represent the Township of Clark.

The results show that the students in the school system are excelling and the town itself is recognized as one of the places to live in the State of New Jersey.

On the local beat dealing with the campaigns, I have spent a lot of time in Linden campaigning for the local officials. I have also spent time in Rahway and Scotch Plains because it is important that politics have a solid foundation on the local level. It is also very important to have a healthy working relationship with your local officials.

Locally in the City of Plainfield, I have put together the usual team of supporters that work with me regarding campaigns on all levels. I have met with Congressman Pallone, and it is important that we return him to Washington. I have met with the Freeholder candidates, and it is important to return our productive Freeholders with a new person, Linda Carter.

We have started our phone banks, making phone calls, identifying our supporters, and putting up signs throughout the City. So far, the results have been that the vast majority that we have contacted thus far will be supporting our team of Democrats.

We have a year-round headquarters on East 2nd Street, which unfortunately has had severe flooding issues. We have relocated to 19 Watchung Avenue. The three most important concerns that I have and support that I need are people knocking on doors, making phone calls, and helping on Election Day, get the vote out.

I have asked all Democrats to support ALL of the candidates on the Democratic line. So if there is anyone interested in working for or supporting the Regular Democratic Organization for the balance of the campaign, feel free to stop in to our Campaign Headquarters at 19 Watchung Avenue, or call Vera Greaves, who is organizing this year’s campaign, (908) 672-8701.

Ps
If anyone would like to help with any of the campaigns in the 22nd District, please call or stop by the headquarters.

Letter from NMDP/Testimony from NJCC

Information regarding Senate Bill 1534 - a bill supporting public umbilical cord blood banking in New Jersey

The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 1642, which would provide funding to expand public cord blood banking in New Jersey. This legislation would create the New Jersey Cord Blood Bank Fund to support the expansion of public cord blood banking within your state through an existing public bank, specifically the New Jersey Cord Blood Bank (NJCBB).

In the past, when a baby was born, the umbilical cord was thrown away. But today, blood from the umbilical cord can be collected after a baby’s birth and donated to a public cord blood bank to help someone with a life-threatening disease. Like bone marrow, cord blood is rich in the blood-forming cells that can be used in transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and many other life-threatening diseases. These patients rely on the NMDP to assist with locating a matching marrow donor or cord blood unit for transplant.

To date, more than 160,000 cord blood units have been collected and stored on the Registry via the NMDP’s partnerships with public cord blood banks. Unfortunately, the national inventory is well short of the federal goal and has far fewer units than believed necessary by the medical community, especially from racial and ethnic minorities.

In support of growing the national registry and increasing the number of publicly available cord blood units, the NMDP has adopted policy recommendations for state wishing to support the expansion of cord blood collections. This policy outlines a good framework for states to partner with the NMDP to expand the inventory of publicly available units by allocating resources to support storage and collect efforts in the state.

As per testimony heard by the Health and Senior Services Committee yesterday, the New Jersey Catholic Conference stated that stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood already save lives and current research initiatives are very promising.

The use of adult stem cells derived from placenta and umbilical cord blood has been proven to help treat patients with multiple sclerosis, lupus, juvenile diabetes, arthritis, and spinal cord injuries as well as many other autoimmune diseases. With the Catholic HealthCare Partnership; the New Jersey Catholic Conference is working with Catholic hospitals to encourage donations by expectant mothers at the time of childbirth.

The work of the New Jersey Cord Blood Bank (NJCBB) brings hope to those who suffer from Parkinson’s, anemia and blood and liver diseases, pediatric AIDS, juvenile diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.

The Assembly Bill 1642 is consistent with our (NMDP) policy recommendations with the goal to increase the number of publicly available cord blood units through a state-focused framework, complimenting the federal program.

Clark Realtor's Day

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Superintendent Ken Knops in inviting Linda Stender and myself to Clark’s Realtor’s Day. As Chairman of Housing and Local Government, the majority of the realtors through the State have been in my committee on numerous occasions.

I have been very blessed in visiting Clark within these past few months. I believe the Realtor’s Day was a very important day for Clark because when people are looking to purchase a home, the first thing they want to know about is the school system, among other stats. With a program like today, Clark realtors were able to supply an abundance of information regarding Clark’s real estate market and town growth.

Now I see why Clark is regarded as ‘the place to live’ in the State of New Jersey. I have to specifically acknowledge the Superintendent, BOE and Mayor who worked together in terms of shared services. A prime example of such services is the athletic fields within the Township. They share the usage and ensure that everyone is fairly treated.

I would just like to share with you some of the information that I researched before I went to the meeting. So not only can I discuss education issues dealing with Trenton, but also be knowledgeable of exactly how the Clark school district operates. Their modes of operation, because of the student achievement, are results that parents are proud of.

Again, I thank the Mayor, Superintendent and BOE (and staff) for the warm welcome and reception, and in letting the public know how close we are working together as a team in moving Clark forward in the right direction. As clearly as I made it that I represent Clark in Trenton, they made their feelings of thanks and appreciation clear to me.

Clark Facts:

Education Rating (Arthur Johnson High School)-

Rated 8 out of 10 by the distinguished GreatSchools Rating System

-98% of the students pass the HSPA

-17 Advanced Placement courses administered at the High School

-Drop-Out Rate: 0%

Post Graduation Plans, Class of 2009

-4yr college/ University: 63.8%

-2yr college: 23.1%

-Other college: 5.5%

-Military: 0.7%

-Employment: 1.7%

-Uncdecided: 5.2%

Cost per pupil: $12,919

Foreclosures: Presently, there are 49 foreclosed homes in Clark Twp.

Real Estate Market: 92 properties for sale

Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are 4 on a scale from 1 (low) to 10 (high)

Affordable Housing / Thoughts on the Day

First I would like to thank everyone for their support in helping me put together affordable housing legislation that I feel would go a long way in the future of housing in the State of New Jersey. I am now meeting with the Governor’s office as well as talking to the Senate, as well as the leadership within the Assembly, gathering their input on this issue. We will be having a hearing on this issue in the Assembly very soon.

If you have any questions, feel free to call my District Office at (908) 561-5757.

Yesterday, I happened to spend a lot of time within the Linden area dealing with political issues pertaining to the 22nd District. I was out of the office all day yesterday, so in reading today’s blog referencing a City employee meeting with me to discuss City business that was not true.

Today, I had an opportunity to meet with the State and leadership over at the BOE to discuss school construction. Therefore, I am hoping in the future that people take very serious what I am trying to accomplish. I have not been involved with the budget process. I have not been involved with the day-to-day operation of the City, which has become a circus and an embarrassment to the City of Plainfield.

So for someone to try to draw me into this circus, I feel very offended because one, as I previously stated, I was not in the office yesterday and two, I met with NO City employees. So today, I am going to keep my comments very simple.

You have a Council that has done nothing for the last nine months, and now, you want to accuse me of taking part in the decision-making process. I have been accused over the past eight years of being involved in local politics. The only thing I do locally help those running, get the vote out, which is my duty as local Chairman.

9/29/10 Thoughts

Reading Cory Storch’s blog today, I was hoping for the next 5 weeks we could stay away from finger-pointing or even New Democrats versus Regular Democrats. But like I said in the past, I refuse to stand by and allow him to mislead the public.

Number one, the majority of the members of the Council are New Democrats.

For the record, I am not supporting the current ShotSpotter program until we have more information about it. I am already in contact with two other companies involved with this service, and they are already giving me different views on the short-range and long-range figures.

I find it very odd that when Cory gets a chance to mention the Regular Democrats, he would like to make it sound like the Regular Democrats are involved with the day-to-day operations of the City, but that is not true. Maybe under the past administration those lines were crossed, but that is not the case today.

Another example, this issue with Al Sharpton with the New Democrats making such a big issue out of it. They failed to inform the public that they spent thousands and thousands of dollars to sponsor a train ride to Washington D.C., where liquor and wine were so free that by the time they arrived in D.C., just about everyone on board was drunk.

So rather than sitting down and trying to work out the differences between the Administration and Council, they would prefer to make it sound like someone has done something illegal.

With the $20,000 spent on the broadcast, the New Democrats try to make it sound like the Mayor has bankrupted the City, but what about the $800 million that the children of NJ lost in this year’s budget? The wasteful spending of some of the BOE’s colleagues, trips and other goodies?

When the Council decided to rent a train to D.C., I wonder how Cory voted on that issue; did he go out and check to see whether that was the right thing to do?

Just this week a vendor came in to complain about the past administration, which Cory was a part of, having the City still owing them $50,000 for services rendered. So the Mayor should stop sitting back trying to clean up their mess, and inform the public of the mess she took over due to the past administration.

We are STILL paying bills of the past administration, and now it is obvious that the current administration is going to have to cut back on spending on current issues in order to clean up the past mess.

If I read the charter correctly, in the last 8 years, the New Democrats have been in charge of the budget. Once the Mayor submits the budget to the Council, it is then the Council’s budget. So it is time that the public realized that they have mismanaged the City for over 8 years.

Democratic Legislators Vow To Continue Fight For Women's Healthcare Despite Lack Of Republican Support

(TRENTON) – After Senate Republicans joined Governor Christie in turning their backs on the women of New Jersey, Democratic legislators vowed to continue the fight to protect access to women’s healthcare.

At a news conference following the veto override vote in the Senate – which failed due to a lack of Republican support – Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney joined Senator Loretta Weinberg, Assemblywoman Linda Stender, and other women’s health advocates in the Legislature to announce new legislation intended to restore a portion of the funding cut from women’s health and family planning programs in New Jersey and require the state to apply for federal matching dollars for Medicaid-eligible health care consumers.

“The sponsors of this bill have worked tirelessly to make sure that women have access to basic health services, including breast exams, cancer screenings, pre- and post-natal care and gynecological exams,” said Senate President Sweeney (D-Gloucester). “They’ve identified budget-neutral funding and they’ve found federal matching grants so that our investment brings back $9 for every $1 we put into the system. We’re disappointed with the outcome of today’s veto override, but we’re hopeful that the Governor and Republican Legislators can put aside partisan blinders and help Democrats quickly enact women’s health care funding, version 2.0, into law.”

“It’s clear that Republican lawmakers who had previously stood up for good health care policy over conservative political ideology were pressured by the Governor to vote against our override attempt,” said Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “I’m certainly disappointed that more of my fellow lawmakers couldn’t show the political courage to defy their governor and restore access to women’s health care and family planning services in New Jersey. However, we don’t plan to go away quietly, and will continue fighting for access to services for women and men who have nowhere else to turn.”

“It’s been clear from the start that the Governor has opposed this measure on ideological grounds,” said Stender (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union). “This is an issue of paramount importance, one that we cannot allow to fall victim to a shortage of solutions. If Republicans want to treat this issue with casual indifference and side with the Governor in his attempts to make a name for himself on the national conservative stage, then they should all be prepared to accept responsibility for denying women access to crucial medical care and prevention screenings, and ultimately contributing to increasing the abortion rate in our state.”

The first piece of legislation - sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg and Sandra Cunningham and Assemblywomen Pamela Lampitt, Linda Greenstein, Linda Stender, Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Celeste Riley and co-sponsored by Senators Nia Gill and Bob Gordon and Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell - mirrors the vetoed legislation (S-2139/A-3019), but scales back the appropriation from $7.5 million to $5 million and identifies a new funding source. Under the bill, family planning centers would be supported by $5 million in unexpended funds from FY 2010 that are part of an account set aside to pay counties for housing certain prisoners.

“This new legislation reaffirms our commitment to being fiscally prudent, while maintaining our commitment to provide access to health care for women and families across New Jersey,” said Lampitt (D-Camden). "We have heard the Governor's concerns, and we call on him to work together with us on this crucial, nonpartisan issue. The new funding we have identified is budget-neutral and would otherwise sit idle while women and families suffer and go without critically-needed health care."

“We’ve asked the Governor and his administration to work with us in finding a funding solution, and were shut out time and time again,” added Weinberg. “However, through this bill, we were able to find additional surplus funds contained within the Governor’s budget to restore at least a portion of the resources for women’s health programs. At a time when New Jersey is trying to do more with less, we need to use these additional resources to make sure we’re not leaving any federal matching dollars on the table for women’s health or family planning services.”

“It is unfortunate that our Republican colleagues do not share our belief that everyone, regardless of socio-economic status, deserves access to vital healthcare,” said Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “Hopefully, the new funding source we have identified will alleviate their concerns over the fiscal impact of this bill.”

The second bill - sponsored by Senators Teresa Ruiz and Nia Gill and Assemblywomen Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Linda Greenstein, Celeste Riley, Pamela Lampitt and Linda Stender and co-sponsored by Senator Loretta Weinberg and Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell- directs the state to immediately apply for additional Medicaid coverage for family planning services available under the recently enacted federal health care reform law.

“The federal government is actively encouraging states to apply for this supplemental funding, knowing how important it is to cash-strapped states and the women and families who depend on it,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “If this is truly an economic issue as the Governor maintains, then we should be taking advantage of every available federal resource.”

Under the current state plan, the Medicaid program only covers family planning services for individuals with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level. However, the new provision in the federal health care reform law created a state option to provide Medicaid coverage for family planning services to individuals with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. State’s exercising this option will receive $9 in federal reimbursement for every $1 they spend for family planning services.

“We simply can’t leave this money sitting on the table when family planning centers throughout the state will soon be forced to close or turn patients away,” said Riley (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). “This is one of the fundamental duties we were elected to perform – maximize the resources available to provide basic essential services to the residents of this state.”

At stake, the lawmakers noted, are the more than 136,000 patients who were served by family planning centers in New Jersey last year. Not only did these centers help prevent 40,000 pregnancies, 19,000 abortions and save the state more than $150 million, but they also provide extensive services that include: birth control; routine gynecological exams; prenatal care; screenings for high blood pressure, anemia, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, and breast and cervical cancer; as well as critical education and outreach.

The lawmakers also stressed that the new legislation reiterates the provision in the vetoed legislation that bars public dollars from being used to fund abortions. Both bills will be introduced in the Senate and the Assembly today.

Free Home Energy Audits for Plainfield Residents!

Letter from Clark's Superintendent of Schools

A Blueprint of Clark Township's Educational Success

I would like to thank Mr. Kenneth Knops, Clark Superintendent of Schools, for inviting me this morning to be a keynote speaker in their Welcome Back Staff Meeting, for the Clark Public School District. I was very pleased in listening to his presentation, which laid out his goal and objectives for this upcoming school year.

With all of the problems we are having in Trenton, it seems like under his leadership, staff, and Clark in general, are well prepared for their students to receive a good education. We all realize that each municipality is dealing with budget problems, but listening to Mr. Knops comments today, their Mayor, Council, BOE and parents have come together to make sure that the children in Clark will continuously receive a good education.

During the presentation, Mr. Knops cited the Township of Clark being designated #10 in the list of Business Week’s “Best Affordable Suburbs in America” and #24 in New Jersey Monthly Magazine’s “Best Places to Live in New Jersey.”

To hear those remarks about Clark, it was very refreshing. I am looking forward to the commitment that I have made to the Township of Clark, that until we work out the crisis we are having in Trenton, I will continue to have a good relationship with the Township, in terms of sharing information and listening to their concerns referencing education in Clark.

I was very pleased by the fact of how well the superintendent and his staff have organized this year’s scheduling of how they are going to be able to move Clark in the right direction when it comes to educational issues. It is clear that they have a plan in place, which is very important.

So again, I want to thank all the members of the Clark educational system for the way I was treated, and for the respect, they gave me this morning. It is encouraging when people realize your commitment to serving them as their representative in Trenton on all issues, and you are able to come back home and have the community give you the support you need; being a good listener with a sincere commitment to their concerns allows this to happen. Just as I said in today’s meeting, I want to continue to have a healthy, informational relationship with Clark as I continue to represent them and their needs in Trenton.

Letter from Clark Township Superintendent

Letter From Neighborhood Health Services Corporation

August 19, 2010 Thoughts

Cory Storch it is five years too late to be asking me to ‘cease and desist’ from my actions, after you have spent five years with the New Democrats embarrassing me and my family with lies. Your family set up a real estate business here in the City, and has gained tremendously from those real estate sales. In my opinion, this is a conflict of interest.

You have now set up this non-profit organization, of which you are a founder of, and I wonder how much you make a year from the organization, how much goes to the patients, and how much goes to the program itself.

There have been times when other health agencies were denied funding so that Bridgeway could receive such funding, and I am sure your political influence had something to do with this. I live in the 2nd ward and I have no intentions of moving, so as long as you continue to do a horrible job governing, and use operatives such as Dan Damon and Bernice Paglia to disrespect others, I have no intention of stopping.

As an elected official, you are no different from me. People can voice their opinions whether they like you or not. The biggest mistake I made was supporting you in the last 2nd ward council race. You are the same person that Rashid Burney and his family believed in, worked with and trusted for the past four years. Yet, when Rashid was up for re-election this year, you threw him under the bus. How can you be trusted?

On election night when I saw the hurt in Rashid’s eyes upon his loss, stemming from your disloyalty, you have some nerve telling me I should be quiet, like you are some saint. I do not believe anything I have said or done has crossed the line. When it came time to give a developer downtown a rebate, you were first in line to support it. When it came time to build a low-income housing facility, again, you were first in line to support it, so long as it was not next door to you.

I have been asking the same questions for the last three years with no answers from you; what have you done as a council member to move the City in the right direction? When the BOE and Council had an opportunity to sit down and come up with a plan that could have helped the City and BOE, you decided to sit on the sidelines because you feared it would interfere with some of your friends’ job security.

The blogs you write regarding Bridgeway are like reading a comic book; it does not mention ANYTHING that you have done as an elected official. So then, if there is anyone that needs to ‘cease and desist’ in twisting the truth it is you, NOT Bridgeway, nor your wife, but you, Cory Storch.

Cory, it is time you stand up like a man and tell the public what you have done for this City, which moves or moved it in the right direction, as opposed to citing the greatness of Bridgeway.

The attack approach you use, accusing people of attacking you, is the same approach Republicans use (no coincidence). When you attack me however, you should expect a response. When I look at how our school buildings have been upgraded in our City, and I look at our office building, and the City receiving over the past 10 years over $1 billion from the State to education our children, when I look at the Nursing School where over 500 students graduate a year, when I look at the 2 train stops that have been upgraded, when I read about the Federal, State, and County governments working together to fight crime in Plainfield, knowing I have been a part of making this happen; and then when you, Bernice and Dan print something negative, it is like a big joke because your blogs and articles have brought more harm to Plainfield than anyone else’s.

I can understand why Dan is bitter, when the last administration lost, he lost his job that paid over $50,000/yr, his partner was let go from the PMUA, but I have yet to figure out why Bernice has allowed the little bit of respect from her Courier News days to be flushed down the toilet by you. I have no respect, at all, for her writing. Therefore, nothing she writes surprises me.

As a man, I cannot believe how you have used this woman. And because of the way you used her, I have lost respect for you.

Ps

I read a blog today from one of Cory Storch’s number one cheerleaders. I guess the reason why he has come out to support Cory is because no one has been negative about Bridgeway or the services they render. For example, no one criticized the United States when their friend, former President George Bush, was flushing the country down the drain. So no matter how they try to twist this issue, Cory has personally hurt a family and has done nothing for the City of Plainfield.

I am hoping this councilperson, along with the other council members, stop throwing mud at the current administration, and discuss the budget, school issues (loss of $8 million in funding). So far, all I have seen is them come to City Hall once a week to pick up their paychecks.

So now that they have shown this great love for Cory Storch, maybe they can now begin to show some love for the City of Plainfield.

In my 30 years of politics here in the City of Plainfield, I have never seen a Council like this one spending more time being negative, rather than moving the City in the right direction. Back in the first of the year, Cory said by March, this Council would be moving the City in the right direction. To the contrary, I have only seen fighting and bickering over issues that have resulted in embarrassing the City.

August 12, 2010 Thoughts

Reading Dan and Bernice’s blogs today shows you how far behind she is in her reporting, she tries to rehash an issue that happened between John Campbell and I over two years ago. Given the fact that both Dan and Bernice have lost contact with reality, to respond back to anything they print would be an embarrassment to me.


I just find it very insulting that Cory Storch, who heads up a multi-million dollar operation that offers health services, would use people like Dan Damon and Bernice Paglia to speak on his behalf.

For starters, the individual who sent me the letter authorized me to print the letter because he read a recent blog where Cory Storch was bragging about what a great job he has been doing with and in Bridgeway. Just recently, Cory Storch and his group of bloggers have accused me of mudslinging, being unethical and racist.

Nevertheless, the support I received with this last election, winning in Plainfield by over 4,000 votes, I do not want to respond to their negative blogging. Anytime an individual writes me a letter talking about an agency that deals with people who are handicapped, and this individual is expressing how they are being mistreated, the operation is a multi-million dollar one which does not have any blacks in any decision-making positions, then it is time for the federal government, the State of New Jersey, and the County of Union to investigate ‘this old boy network’ operation.

Now, if I am going to be sued because an employee sent me a letter saying he has been mistreated, I am not going to worry about a lawsuit because there are many people in Plainfield in whom Cory mistreats. As a Councilperson, he acts as if he could care less about what goes on in the 1st and 4th wards. That sort of behavior should tell you where his priorities are.

In yesterday’s raid however, the newspaper mentioned that individuals were arrested in EVERY ward of Plainfield for conducting illegal activities. Cory seems to quickly forget that he was part of the past administration that said ‘Plainfield does not have gangs’, and yet, now gangs are in his backyard.

It is now time that Cory and the New Democrats stops being negative, and deal with the issue of crime in the City so that all of us can feel safe. I am still waiting for the answers from Cory and his family pertaining to his involvement in past real estate deals that I have mentioned in some of my blows in the past. Or maybe, he has personal reasons as to why he does not want to give the public.

It is embarrassing to have to ask a Councilman who has been on the Council for 8 years, what have you done for Plainfield. He does not mention crime, and acts as if it does not exist in the 2nd ward. Cory has been absent from Economic Development initiatives, and the 2nd ward complains that they only see him during campaign time.

Therefore, it is time Cory, that you begin to discuss your record of accomplishments as an elected official and what plans you have for moving Plainfield forward.

Ps

In case you missed the editorial in the Star Ledger, highlighting my efforts in fighting for the people of New Jersey when it comes to affordable housing issues, I will print it out. How about you print something Cory, that someone has said positive about you for the past eight years.

NJ Star Ledger: Assembly Committee Shows How It’s Done

Anyone curious about what good government looks like should have dropped in on the Assembly committee hearing on the new housing bill last week.

Advocates, clergy, builders and mayors all had a chance to sit before the committee chaired by Assemblyman Jerry Green, air their concerns and take questions.

It was a striking contrast to the Senate committee chaired by Ray Lesniak — which not only declined to hear testimony on the bill, but failed to make new amendments public in a timely fashion. And voted to move the bill out of committee, anyway.

The bill would abolish the Council on Affordable Housing and put in its place a different system for making low-cost housing available throughout the state. But the bill is too important to rush through, especially when so many details are still being corrected and clarified.Green gets it. He and his committee — vice chair Mila Jasey, Linda Greenstein, Fred Scalera, Celeste Riley, Charlotte Vandervalk and Michael Patrick Carroll — took the time to listen to testimony and asked for copies of statements.

The committee was no pushover: Green did everyone a favor by running a tight ship and keeping testimony focused on the details of the bill and possible solutions. No grandstanding allowed.